Political Controversy Escalates Over Karamanlis’ Referral to Pre-Investigative Committee

The political battle between the government and opposition parties intensifies regarding whether former Minister of Transport, Kostas Karamanlis, should be referred to the Pre-Investigative Committee for misconduct or negligence concerning the national tragedy of Tempi that claimed 57 lives, mostly aged 18-28. On Monday, PASOK requested investigation into former ministers Karamanlis and Spiritis, along with six under-ministers, citing criminal endangerment of public safety. Following this, on Tuesday, KKE demanded investigations spanning governments from Mitsotakis to Tsipras, although they lack the necessary signatures to formally submit their proposal to Parliament. Meanwhile, SYRIZA and New Democracy are preparing their proposals, likely including Karamanlis for two offenses: endangering transportation safety and gross negligence. However, ND is expected to propose only Karamanlis for negligence due to parliamentary majority. The process will culminate in June when Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis sets a date for discussion. If approved, a Pre-Investigative Committee will form by mid-July, leading to potential referral to the Judicial Council. Additionally, an international event hosted by Dora Bakogianni in Chania brings together around 73 European parliamentarians, including former Prime Ministers George Papandreou and Alexis Tsipras, focusing on Middle Eastern issues and fostering progressive unity.